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‘Hootin’ Annies’ series begins March 4 at Touch of Nature

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Hootin’ Annies, the series of family style, old-fashioned evenings of campfires and entertainment sponsored by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Environmental Center, kicks off its spring schedule on March 4.

Each of the free monthly programs features a guest speaker highlighting an environmental topic, along with musical entertainment and more. All ages are welcome to attend the programs. Each takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on a Saturday at the Upper 40 Cabin at Touch of Nature, located about eight miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road.

Free shuttle transportation service is available from the campus. The bus will depart from SIU’s Student Center at 4:30 p.m. and return there at approximately 7:30 p.m.

Touch of Nature’s Environmental Program is sponsoring the park-ranger-style programs to enhance environmental awareness and engage people from the campus and community in a time of sharing and appreciation for the world around them. The Shaky Maybes will provide musical entertainment.

Those attending are encouraged to bring beverages, snacks and roasting sticks to toast treats on the campfire. Guests can bring musical instruments and join the banjo, kazoo and guitar-playing band as well.

The spring 2017 Hootin’ Annies schedule includes:

March 4 -- “Environmentalism and the Law,” presented by environmental attorney Natalie Long. She will discuss what the law and local communities can do to protect the environment.

April 8 -- “What’s Been Going on at Standing Rock?” will focus on the Standing Rock encampment and conflict regarding the North Dakota oil pipeline and how the complex issue fits into the larger context of the world.

May 13 -- “Sustainable Cooking,” highlighting ways people can affordably prepare food in a more sustainable way, with less pollution and greater efficiency. Participants will obtain a good understanding of the science and technology of sustainable cooking.

To learn more about Hootin’ Annies or the many other programs, services, facilities and amenities offered by Touch of Nature Environmental Center, visit www.ton.siu.edu, call 618/453-1121, or email tonec@siu.edu.